Merbau Timber Decking – Durable, Compliant, and Ready to Go
Merbau has been a mainstay in Australian decking for decades and for good reason. It copes well with our climate, from coastal humidity to intense sun. You’ll often see it used in high-traffic outdoor zones, walkways, and backyard decks that need to last more than just a season.
It’s naturally resistant to rot and insects and doesn’t need chemical treatment to hold up. That’s a bonus for anyone wanting to minimise exposure to treated timber without compromising on longevity.
Merbau also meets the requirements for use in BAL 29-rated bushfire zones, which makes it a safe and compliant choice for builds near bushland. Whether you’re a builder working off a spec plan or a homeowner renovating a back deck, it’s a material you can count on.
Sizes in Stock: 140x19mm, 90x19mm (Random and Set Lengths)
We supply Merbau decking in a full range of options:
- Merbau Decking 140x19mm Random Lengths
- Merbau Decking 90x19mm Random Lengths
- Merbau Decking 140x19mm Set Lengths
- Merbau Decking 90x19mm Set Lengths
Stock is available for immediate pickup or delivery across Melbourne and beyond.
What to Know Before Installation
Merbau contains high levels of tannins, which is what give it the deep reddish tone early on. But those tannins can leach out when exposed to rain, so it’s worth pre-oiling or sealing the boards, especially on decks near paving or concrete. We recommend sealing all faces, including end grain, before installation.
Spacing matters too. Merbau is dense, but still needs airflow underneath to perform long-term. Allow for expansion and contraction with appropriate board gaps, especially if installing in areas that get direct sun.
Timber Specs & Performance
- Janka Hardness : ~8.5 kN — one of the hardest decking timbers available
- Density : 850–900 kg/m³ — very dense, ideal for high-traffic areas
- Durability Class : Class 1 above ground — rated for 25+ years of service life
- BAL Rating : Approved for use in BAL 29 bushfire zones
- Shrinkage Rate : Tangential ~4.5%, Radial ~2.5%
- Finish : Accepts stains and oils well, or can be left to weather naturally
- Movement : Low once installed with proper ventilation
Built for Long-Term Use
Merbau is easy to cut and predrill, holds screws and nails firmly, and gives you a clean, even finish. It’s also one of the more stable hardwoods, so once it’s down, it tends to stay put — no major cupping, twisting, or surface checking.
You can maintain the rich colour with oil, or let it fade to a natural grey. Either way, the structural integrity holds up.
Merbau Decking from Greenhill Timbers
We’ve been supplying Merbau to tradies and homeowners for years. Whether you’re after fixed-length packs or random lengths, we’ll help you choose the most efficient setup for your layout. Need it delivered? No problem, we cover all of Melbourne and the surrounds.
Drop in and see our stock, or get in touch for a quote today.